Copyright

Tag: China

Readers of history with an interest in factual mysteries will truly enjoy this non-fiction book by Louis Charpentier. I have waited to read this book for a long time.

It took a long time to finish because it is detailed with important information about the famous cathedral and because of delays from my work schedule.

Gothic cathedrals have long been a fascination of mine, so to finally read this book was an utter thrill. Even though published in the 1960’s, the author presents critical information about Chartres that many historical presentations overlook.

Furthermore, Charpentier offers some answers to the mysteries of the cathedral and Gothic architecture in general. However, some mysteries remain unanswered, such as where did the technological knowledge come from in order to build these magnificent structures? Who provided the funding? Why did it take decades to build? (The Forbidden City in China, another marvel of construction, took a mere four years.)

If you are curious, then by all means read this book. Overall, it is fantastic and enlightening.

#Readers of spy #thrillers will enjoy this one from Olen Steinhauer. The twists, turns, and intrigue continue in the third installment of the author’s Tourist trilogy. Milo Weaver, the reluctant spy extraordinaire of the first two stories, is thrust back into the world of espionage when his friend and former boss goes missing (after using one of Milo’s blown cover names). The stakes ramp up when a Chinese intelligence operative threatens Weaver’s wife and daughter, unless he does their bidding.
Overall, a satisfying end to a delightful and superbly written series. 5 Stars

#Readers of spy #thrillers, Olen Steinhauer’s second installment in the Tourist spy thriller trilogy, The Nearest Exit, surpasses the first (The Tourist). It is a masterfully written work. Milo Weaver, the moody and recalcitrant CIA spy for the Department of Tourism, continues the story from The Tourist. He must reluctantly re-enter the world of Tourism for the CIA to hunt down a mole within the U.S. government, who is feeding vital intel to the Chinese. This story is both a page-turner and profound.
Steinhauer’s writing remains superb and sublime. He may be the best spy thriller writer of the current age. Certainly, he ranks up there with the likes of Graham Greene, at least to me. 5 Stars.